Permanent treatment for trichiasis

Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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Trichiasis refers to the condition where eyelashes grow inward towards the eyeball, and generally, there are two types. One type is caused by the inward turning of the eyelid, known as entropion. The treatment for this type of trichiasis involves correcting the entropion, which can be achieved through corrective surgery for entropion, thereby treating the trichiasis. The other type is simply the inward growth of the eyelashes themselves. This type of trichiasis can be treated with electrolysis, where an electric needle is used to destroy the hair follicles. Once the follicles are destroyed, the eyelashes will no longer regrow, effectively curing the condition.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Can I pluck an inverted eyelash myself?

It is best not to pluck ingrown eyelashes yourself, as they will grow back even harder than before, and will grow irregularly in multiple directions instead of just outward. This will cause the eyelashes to grow disorderly. Ingrown eyelashes generally cause abrasion to the conjunctiva and cornea. If there are few ingrown eyelashes, treatment can be done by propping them up; if there are many, surgical treatment can be considered. To protect the corneal epithelium from ingrown eyelashes, certain eye drops like sodium hyaluronate may be used, along with anti-inflammatory eye drops like levofloxacin. With active treatment, recovery is usually complete. If not properly treated, it could gradually lead to corneal diseases, severely affecting vision.

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Written by Tao Yuan
Ophthalmology
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What should I do if trachoma causes entropion and trichiasis?

Trachoma is a common ophthalmic disease caused by Chlamydia infection of the conjunctival tissue of the eye, resulting in inflammation. Trachoma can lead to substantial scarring of the conjunctiva. As scar tissue contracts, it can cause the eyelids to curl towards the eyeball, leading to entropion and trichiasis. Initially, it is necessary to use antibiotic eye drops to eliminate the Chlamydia infection and prevent the condition from worsening. Commonly used treatments include Levofloxacin eye drops, Rifampicin eye drops, and Sulfacetamide Sodium eye drops. Once the infection is completely eliminated, surgical correction of the entropion can be performed to alleviate the irritation caused by trichiasis to the patient's eyeball. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Can people with trichiasis wear orthokeratology lenses?

If you have trichiasis, it is generally not advisable to wear orthokeratology lenses until the trichiasis is treated. The treatment for trichiasis is straightforward. If there are only a few inverted eyelashes, electrolysis can be performed. If there are many, surgical treatment can be carried out. This is because trichiasis can easily lead to various pathological changes in the conjunctiva and cornea, such as conjunctivitis and keratitis. Keratitis can lead to the formation of corneal nebula, plaques, leukoma, or neovascularization. Therefore, it is crucial to treat the condition actively. Once the condition is stable and completely healed, then orthokeratology lenses can be worn. If there are only a few inverted eyelashes, electrolysis can be performed, and if there are many, surgical treatment can be considered, which is relatively simple.

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Written by Li Zhen Dong
Ophthalmology
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Will the inverted eyelashes grow back after being plucked?

Trichiasis, if plucked, can still regrow, and the new eyelashes may be harder than before, posing a more severe irritation to the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye, so plucking is not recommended. If there are few lashes, electrolysis of the eyelashes can be performed; if there are many, surgery can correct the trichiasis. Once trichiasis occurs, local anti-inflammatory eye drops should be used, such as levofloxacin eye drops, gatifloxacin eye drops, and eye ointment. Use tobramycin eye ointment and erythromycin eye ointment; do not apply heat, take rest, eat a light diet, reduce close work, have regular check-ups, and monitor your vision. (Please use medications under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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Will surgery for inverted eyelashes leave scars?

The types of trichiasis can be divided into two categories. One type is simple trichiasis, where the eyelashes grow inward. Its treatment can be through electrolysis, which involves using an electric needle to destroy the hair follicle before plucking it out, preventing future eyelash growth from that follicle. The other type is caused by entropion of the eyelid, which requires corrective surgery for the inward-turning eyelid, involving an incision in the skin. Therefore, treatment of this type of trichiasis will result in scars on the skin.